Major Depressive Disorder
24 medicines
Major depressive disorder, commonly called depression, is a persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks that disrupts daily life; it responds well to therapy and medicines such as SSRIs.
Effexor Xr
Venlafaxine
75/150mg
Effexor Xr is a antidepressants medication containing Venlafaxine, available as 75/150mg tablets.
Trintellix
Vortioxetine
5/10/20mg
Trintellix is a antidepressants medication containing Vortioxetine, available as 5/10/20mg tablets.
Wellbutrin
Bupropion
150/300mg
Wellbutrin is a antidepressants medication containing Bupropion, available as 150/300mg tablets.
Wellbutrin SR
Bupropion
150mg
Wellbutrin SR is a antidepressants medication containing Bupropion, available as 150mg tablets.
Key facts
- Depression is a sustained shift in mood, energy, and thinking that lasts at least two weeks, not just a bad week or ordinary sadness.
- Core symptoms are persistent low mood or loss of interest, alongside low energy, disturbed sleep, appetite changes, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- First-line treatment combines talking therapy with medicines from the antidepressants group, such as citalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, or amitriptyline.
- It is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, and it responds well to treatment.
More than low mood
The hallmark of depression is a persistent low mood or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Alongside these, people often notice low energy, disturbed sleep (too much or too little), appetite changes, poor concentration, and a sense of worthlessness or guilt that seems out of proportion to circumstances. Physical symptoms such as unexplained aches or slowed movement are also common and sometimes overshadow the emotional ones.
How depression is treated
Most people improve with a combination of talking therapy and medicine. Medicines that adjust serotonin and noradrenaline signalling in the brain tend to be the first approach. Options from the antidepressants range include SSRIs such as citalopram and paroxetine, the SNRI duloxetine, and older agents like amitriptyline. They typically need two to six weeks to take full effect, so short-term results can feel underwhelming even when the treatment is working. Venlafaxine and bupropion are further options with different mechanisms, useful when one medicine does not suit. Some symptoms overlap with other neurology conditions, which a doctor can help sort out.
When to seek help urgently
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out immediately to a trusted person or a crisis line. Depression is treatable, and early contact makes a real difference.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.
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